1% for the Tetons Blog

On October 26th, 1% for the Tetons culminated our second annual Video Blitz.

Over 250 people joined us at Jackson’s Center for the Arts to see the premieres of seven great short movies, each of which focused on a different project furthering the long-term sustainability of the Tetons region. The Video Blitz was, in the spirit of the Teton’s region, competitive and collaborative. Thanks to everyone that participated and came out to support the filmmakers and non-profits.

On November 2, 1% for the Tetons’s 2012 came to a successful
conclusion with the awarding of its final two $1,000 prizes.

“Native Trout’s Last Stand” a film made by WRKSHRT Digital,
Jackson, WY-based production company, won the prize awarded by people voting on-line
for their favorite video. “Native Trout’s Last Stand” tells the story of a 1% for the Tetons-
funded project sponsored by the Driggs, ID-based Friends of the Tetons River,

“Teton River Conservation Campaign,” a film made by Fisher Creative, a Victor, ID-
based production company, won the prize awarded by 1% for the Tetons members. “Teton
River Conservation Campaign” tells the story of a 1% for the Tetons-funded project
sponsored by the Driggs, ID-based Teton Regional Land Trust.

WRKSHRT Digital is a team of three Jackson, WY natives: Wade Dunstan, Kyle
Haynam, and Chris Kirkpatrick. Fisher Creative’s filmmakers are Mark Fisher and Eric Daft.

“We had a wonderful Video Blitz event on October 20, packing the Center for the
Arts theater,” said Jonathan Schechter, Executive Director of 1% for the Tetons. “That
momentum carried through our on-line voting period.

“In the 10 days between when the videos produced for the Video Blitz were posted
on line and when the voting period closed, the eight videos were viewed over 6,600 times,
and members of the public cast over 2,200 votes for their favorite video. Just as with the
audience member vote on Video Blitz Premiere night, the on-line vote was very close, with
the top two videos separated by just one percentage point. Similarly, with the award
decided by 1% for the Tetons members, only three votes separated first and second place.”

At the Video Blitz Premiere night, two additional $1,000 prizes were awarded, one
voted on by a panel of judges and another by a vote of the audience. KGB Productions’s
“Candyland Trail” video won both of these awards. Each of the four $1,000 prizes were
split between the filmmakers and the non-profit sponsoring the winning project. In addition,
each filmmaker received $500 for their work.

At its annual Members’ Party last night, 1% for the Tetons matched the filmmakers and projects taking part in its 2012 Video Blitz.
Eight Tetons-area filmmakers were randomly matched with eight
projects funded by 1% for the Tetons. Fimmakers’ names were placed into one bucket, project names were placed in a second, and eight 1% for the Tetons members drew names to make the match. The eight filmmakers and their matched projects are:

We’re celebrating 6 years of successful grant funding this year with a look back at some of our best projects in an event that we’re calling a Video Blitz. Eight of the valley’s best filmmakers are competing in a short film contest in which they’ll have only one week to create the film from start to finish. There’s a lot of excitement among the filmmakers and non profits whose work will be highlighted in the films. Please join us on October 20th at the Center for the Arts. Here’s the list of filmmakers:

In October, 1% for the Tetons will be holding its first annual “Video Blitz.”

The concept is simple. On Saturday, October 13, we will hold a “Match Party,” at which eight local filmmakers will be paired with eight 1% for the Tetons-funded projects. Each filmmaker will have one week to produce a three-minute video about that project.

One week later, on Saturday, October 20, we will screen all eight videos at a 1% celebratory event at the Center for the Arts theater.

Each of the eight filmmakers will receive $500 for their work. In addition, each video will be eligible for four $1,000 prizes, with the proceeds to be split between the filmmaker and the nonprofit sponsoring the subject project.

If you would like to be considered for one of the eight filmmaking slots, please notify me by Friday, October 5.

Please contact Jimmy Udall at udallj@gmail.com for more information. Also please feel free to forward this “Call for Artists” to anyone you think might be interested.

In case you’re not on our email list, here’s the note that Jonathan and our board chair, Gary Trauner sent out this week regarding Old Bill’s Fun Run…

Hello.

We all love Jackson Hole and the Tetons region. That’s why we live here, welcome guests here, and feel proud to say “this is our home.”

No organization is doing more to sustain Jackson Hole and the Tetons area – with a lower profile – than the Charture Institute.

Through our programs, we are building the foundation to keep Jackson Hole special. Our focus is as broad as our region, encompassing the environment, economy, community character – all the qualities we want future generations to continue to enjoy.

However, because Charture is wholly dependent on contributions from donors, we need your support to continue our work – to continue helping sustain Jackson Hole’s most vital qualities.

Old Bill’s Fun Run is the perfect time to make your generous donation to Charture Institute – Old Bill’s Fun Run’s matching funds will make your donation count even more.

Using a credit card, you can donate right now by clicking here. Using a check, you can donate via the US mail by clicking here, downloading the form, and sending it to:

Community Foundation of Jackson Hole
P.O. Box 574
Jackson, WY 83001

Your donation will support Charture-founded efforts such as:

22 in 21;
Sustaining Jackson Hole;
Jackson Hole Compass
1% for the Tetons
Individually, each of these programs is helping Jackson Hole shape its own destiny. Combined, Charture is having a unique influence on the region’s future, making a difference no one else is making.

Won’t you join us in helping sustain the Tetons for future generations?

Again, to donate right now, click here. To donate via the mail, click here, download the form, and send it to:

Community Foundation of Jackson Hole
P.O. Box 574
Jackson, WY 83001

PLEASE NOTE: Either way, when you make your donation, please be sure to specify that your gift is intended for the Charture Institute (both 1% for the Tetons and 22 in 21 are projects of Charture, so are not listed separately with Old Bill’s Fun Run).

Thank you for you support, and for helping Charture make a true difference in sustaining the Tetons region for not just today, but tomorrow as well.

Teton Village, Wyoming – Local artist Ben Roth has installed “Fallen,” a 20′ high by 60′ long sculpture located just off the Pathway in Teton Village. The sculpture was constructed with multiple branches from one deceased whitebark pine tree found at an elevation of about 9,000 feet at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. A team including Charley Gorskey, an experienced climber and budding arborist and the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort trail crew employees cut the massive branches using climbing gear and transported them by truck to the base. Over three days, with the help of, Watsabaugh and the JHMR Trail Crew, Roth installed the sculpture and a viewing bench.

“The bike pathway is such an asset for our guests and locals. We are pleased to see the first major public art installation in Teton Village combine a real educational opportunity with a active experience. Due to the out of sight nature of the Whitebark Pine, it is hard to bring the issue to the public, but “Fallen” will cross this barrier by exposing the issue vividly in the Village.” Stated Jerry Blann, JHMR and TVRD

“Fallen” is a statement about the temporary nature of all living things and allows us to connect with the gentle giant of the forest, the whitebark pine, in a new way. The branches were installed in a cresting wave formation, to depict the dynamic sweeping nature unique to the whitebark pine tree, and invites passing pedestrians to visually ride a wave as they pass the sculpture. Each branch has been carved to expose the inner layers of whitebark pine, revealing a delicate yellow interior, often marked by the beetle infestation many whitebarks are dying from.

Though whitebark live high up in the mountains, enduring fierce winds, cold temperatures, and thin soils, they are the longest living (up to 1,500 years) and most productive pines in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Besides providing cover, storing water, and stabilizing soils, whitebark provide fatty, high protein nuts to birds, bears and squirrels. Whitebark are a ‘keystone’ species: like a keystone in a bridge or arch, everything else in the ecosystem depends on this species of tree.

Unfortunately, a warming climate has made whitebark more susceptible to infestation by mountain pine beetles. These trees probably died between 2003 and 2010, as beetle outbreaks swept across the 22 mountain ranges of greater Yellowstone, destroying a majority of mature whitebark pines.

With the help of the Bridger Teton National Forest and a partnership with TreeFight, (a student and volunteer organization founded in Jackson in 2009 to restore regional whitebark forests), Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is working to protect its remaining whitebark pine with insecticides and pheromones that deter beetles. In addition they planted over 1000 new whitebark pine seedlings on Rendezvous Mountain in 2012. Missions to protect and replant whitebark on Rendezvous Mountain occur throughout the summer. To learn more about how you can get involved log on to: www.treefight.org or www.jacksonhole.com or visit with a staff member in the Guest Service Center at the base of the tram.

Roth’s sculpture is part of the Jackson Hole Public Art program’s Rolling Gallery project, a competitive public art opportunity released to artist and scientist teams. The Rolling Gallery funded three environmental art projects to raise awareness about endangered and at risk species found in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The Rolling gallery received funding from a 2011 grant form 1% for the Tetons, The Wyoming Arts Council and the Charles Engelhard Foundation.

“Fallen” is the second sculpture to be installed this summer as part of the Rolling Gallery. The first installation titled, “Evolution” can be found on the Wilson, Centennial pathway and was created by Nora, Kathleen and Meghan Hanson to depict an evolutionary timeline and includes a hidden ceramic version of the endangered Wyoming Toad. The third and final installation, by artist Sarah Kariko is scheduled for August and will be sited just off the Indian Trails pathway. For information about the Rolling Gallery visit jhpublicart.org.

Grant recipient Slow Food in the Tetons plans to build a 3 story vertical greenhouse in downtown Jackson staffed primarily by people with disabilities providing local food and jobs. In the 2010 grant cycle 1% for the Tetons funded the research and development of the energy systems needed for the greenhouse to create its own energy using renewable sources. I sat down recently with co-founder Penny McBride who reiterated what I’ve heard in various forms from other grant recipients, that in addition to the funds that 1% gave, “the 1% grant gave Vertical Harvest credibility in the community.” From that initial credibility, the Vertical Harvest has done a terrific job raising money and their profile, and are well on the way to making their dream of farm fresh veggies during the Winter months in Jackson a reality.

According to their website, they’ve secured a location and raised approximately $100,000 through grants, private donations and fundraisers. From that, they’re looking to raise an additional $214,000 so that they can secure a Wyoming Business Council for a Business Ready Grant for construction funding. In addition to other fund raising efforts, they’re asking for pledges on their website: http://verticalharvest.org/.

If you’re interested in their grant application for 1% for the Tetons you can find theirs and others at onepercentforthetetons.org.

I sat down recently with Kevin Kavanagh, who is both a member-through the Clear Creek Group- and grant recipient – with Teton Freedom Riders-of 1% for the Tetons, to talk about the story of the last 10 years of trail use in the valley. One Percent members have given generously to both the Teton Freedom Riders and Friends of Pathways and as a result, according to Kavanagh, “our trail system has permanently changed the way the U.S. Forest Service Operates…we’ve become a model for other communities.” In the early 2000’s, downhill mountain bikers were building illegal trails on the pass, and as a result creating environmental degradation and conflicts with other users like hikers, runners, horseback riders and even other mountain bikers. The Teton Freedom Riders were formed as a response to this conflict. Much like snowboarders or skateboarders before them, they were passionate about their sport and they weren’t going away. In fact, they’re numbers were growing and so was the illegal trail network. What was needed wasn’t more trails, as had been the long-time forest service response to more demand, but trails built for specific users. According to Kavanagh, much of the support for the idea of downhill-specific trails came from other trail users. As horseback riders, runners, and other mountain bikers were all draining into Blacks Canyon all at greatly different speeds. The forest service listened to pass user’s desire for separate trails, but with a caveat. “They didn’t have the money to build and maintain new trails so they asked us to sign an agreement saying we would do it.”

The Candyland Trail funded by 1%

Kevin credits 1% members for seeing the big picture and funding what he now calls, “a world class trail system.” “The 1% grant we got gave us credibility so that we could then start approaching other organizations.” The Teton Freedom Riders have successfully created the Jackson Hole Trails Consortium; a group of businesses that that reinvest in this asset (our trails) by funding the trail maintenance in the greater Snow King and Teton Pass areas. They also leveraged the 1% grant with volunteer dig days and free trail design. An economic impact study of Teton County’s front country trail system estimated that they generate over $18,000,000 in commerce and $3,200,000 in salaries for Teton County businesses and residents. You can see the results of the 1% grant and the efforts of the Freedom Riders and other organizations as you ride or hike Teton Pass. Signs are clearly marked and user conflicts are minimized. In many ways it’s easier to get around on the Pass than it is in town. It’s another reason Jackson is a special place and another project that 1% members made happen.

During last year’s grant cycle 1% members funded Craighead Beringia South’s grant that was aimed at “integrating scientific wildlife studies into local high school classrooms” according to their grant proposal.

High School students gutted an elk carcass for use in baiting and trapping eagles which were then tested for lead poisoning.

The plan was to “improve student access to ongoing research and, in turn, transform learning into informed decision-maing for the conservation and management of our natural resources.”

Students were able to use on-going tracking studies with Bald Eagles and Cougars and follow the animals in real time while they studied Raptors, migration, cougar ecology, conservation issues, and applied scientific study design.

According to Marilyn Cuthill at Craighead Beringia South, the program was a success and she’ll be meeting with teachers in the next two weeks to, “incorporate the program into additional Fall coursework such as Genetics and Forensics.

Here’s Marilyn’s summary of the activities for the Integrated Wildlife Education grant:

Summary of Activities:

The Integrated Wildlife Education Program lead students into the field to work alongside field biologists while setting traps for the capture of bald eagles and tracking mountain lions via snow-tracks and radio telemetry. In the classroom, students created graphs and maps from 4 years of raw data collected on the lead project to compare blood levels in eagles associated with Jackson Hole’s elk harvest data.

The program also directed students to scientific papers whereby they disseminated scientific language, wrote abstracts, and examined the literature to justify their personal positions on topics such as energy, biodiversity, land management and water conservation.

Students testing eagles for lead.

This summer, CBS has offered 3 internships in collaboration with Jackson Hole High Schools. Students will work with avian researchers, cougar researchers, photographers, and graphic designers as they develop new transmitters, track cougars, and create educational apps about local natural history.

The grant monies from 1% ensured a wide variety of activities in CBS programs’ pilot year and one that was supported by tremendous enthusiasm from both students and teachers. We are looking forward to enhancing our program in the future!